The North American Ferrari Challenge Series will mark its season opener for 2006 at Miami's Homestead Speedway, April 7 - 9, creating expanded excitement for enthusiasts and Ferrari owners alike.  In addition to the actual racing sessions which include F430 and 360 Challenge cars, spectators can enjoy demonstrations of the 800+ hp, limited edition, FXX supercar and various Formula One vehicles throughout the weekend, as well as an all-new Kart Challenge which will be open to the public.  Now in its 14th racing season in the U.S., the Ferrari Challenge Series continues to provide non-professional privateers the opportunity to compete against other Ferrari owners in a highly enjoyable racing series at world-class racing venues throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is regarded as the longest-running series of its type in North America.
   
"As a company, Ferrari is synonymous with racing, technology and passion," said Maurizio Parlato, President and CEO for Ferrari North America, Inc. "Racing is in our DNA, and the Challenge Series has always allowed our owners to experience the very same passion and excitement that our racing teams enjoy on a worldwide perspective."
   
As the longest continuously running sanctioned race series for owners, the Ferrari Challenge is one of the numerous "exclusive" experiences that Ferrari offers its customers -- and whether owners are actually racing in the series, dining in the luxurious VIP hospitality tents, or socializing with those that share their enthusiasm for Ferrari, Parlato confirms that the weekend festivals provide a unique atmosphere not to be compared.  General public can enjoy the races, peruse the paddock areas, and enjoy the overall Ferrari- festival type of atmosphere, as well as partake in the Ferrari Kart Challenge.
   
New to the Series, and only at select 2006 Ferrari Challenge venues, the Kart Challenge adds another element of competition to the weekend.  Open to the general public, as well as Challenge participants and their guests, the Kart Challenge will have its own track and its own competition to find the fastest driver, utilizing 13hp racing Karts.
   
The driver setting the record for the fastest lap time of the weekend will win a Ferrari Driving Experience at the company's all-new North American Driving School in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, (Winners must be 21 years of age or older; younger winners will receive an alternate prize).  The Kart Challenge will be open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sundays during the Homestead weekend.
   
According to Parlato, the Challenge Series is one of the many assets Ferrari provides exclusively for its owners, and together with experiences such as the annual Ferrari Rally and Ferrari's all-new North American Driving School in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, the company continues to provide environments where owners can enjoy their cars in the manner for which they were intended -- with top performance and through unique opportunities and venues.
   
The Ferrari Challenge Series is organized by Ferrari North America, Inc., and sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association.



Ferrari Challenge Website